Icy road warning

Motorists are being advised to take extreme care when travelling throughout the Bay of Plenty as continuing cold fine weather is making icy road surface more frequent in the region.

NZTA Bay of Plenty  state highways manager, Brett Gliddon, says ice is common throughout the Bay of Plenty, on state highways 36, 29, 2 and 30 and surrounding areas, particularly in sheltered places.

"We've had reports of very bad ice patches forming along sections of state highway around parts of the Bay of Plenty, particularly along SH36 from Tauranga to Rotorua. Much of this ice is remaining on the roads throughout the day, as many areas don't get sunlight until late in the day, if at all."

Mr Gliddon says the NZTA is urging motorists to take care at all times, especially on wet, shaded sections of road where ice is more likely.  "Our road crews apply grit to affected sections of road where possible; however the speed at which ice can form means that sometimes our crew have not had a chance to spread grit". 

Mr Gliddon says "Drivers should always plan ahead for their journey, ensure they drive to the conditions and allow greater following distance in order to keep safe when driving on our roads this winter."

Current highway conditions are also available online at www.nzta.govt.nzor by calling 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).  There is also a 'Safer winter driving' guide available at www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/saferwinterdriving for those wanting more tips on driving safely on wet, icy and snowbound road surfaces.